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Duduzane Zuma.
Thulani Mbele, Sowetan, Gallo Images
- Duduzane Zuma says he plans to pursue politics.
- The controversial son of former President Jacob Zuma participated in a media tour.
- He confirmed his plans in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
Confirming many suspicions, the son of former President Jacob Zuma, Duduzane, has indicated that he is in politics and wants to run for political office.
The political rookie, who has no background in active politics, alluded to the possibility of contesting the 2024 national elections.
“You’re going to see my face on the ballots,” he said Thursday in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
Duduzane appears to be visiting from Dubai, where he lives after moving to the United Arab Emirates, following accusations of unreliable deals with the Guptas.
READ HERE | Jacob Zuma on ‘Wasted 9 Years’: That’s ‘Propaganda, Dishonesty’
The controversial son of the former president said he believed the confusion was caused by the ANC leadership.
‘Political attitude’
Earlier this year, the youngest Zuma was seen at many ANC events, including the ANC’s birthday celebration on January 8. Signs with his name also appeared pointing to him as a possible contender for a position in the disputed ANC Youth League.
“I am a businessman, I am taking a political attitude to change the way of doing things. I do it through people who have faith and trust in me, whoever it is, whoever travels with me I’m going to ride with them. I am a member of the ANC, I was born in the ANC, but there are certain issues of a particular nature that we have to address. There is a gap in youth leadership, there is a control that exists, “he said, dispelling rumors. That he would run for president of ANCYL.
READ | Duduzane Zuma urges her father to ‘do what he has to do’ against the Zondo Commission
In April, while living in Dubai, Duduzane and Zuma launched a show on YouTube. Zoom with Zumas, which saw the couple discussing the alleged poisoning of Zuma, the death of Duduzane’s mother, Kate, the alleged poisoning of Vice President David Mabuza, and the current administration.
This was seen as another move for Duduzane to emerge on the political scene.
READ | Chikane branded a liar by the sons of Jacob Zuma
During his interview with Newzroom Afrika, Duduzane said that he “has no regrets” about starting a business with the Gupta family.
He said he went to the United Arab Emirates after his bank accounts in the country were frozen. He added that he was no longer in the business of the Guptas, whom he described as “great people and a great family.”
“I do not regret doing business with them, I do not regret meeting them. I have learned a lot from them. They have exposed me to a business world that I think most people are not exposed to. The only regret I do have is the aftermath. What is happening with the state capture commission. Investigations, people’s lives have been affected, “he said, adding that people who worked for the Gupta family lost their livelihoods.
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During his testimony at the Zondo commission on the capture of the state, former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas claimed that Duduzane took him to the Guptas’ home in Saxonwold, where he was allegedly offered a R600 million bribe and the post of Finance Minister , just before then Minister Nhlanhla. Nene was eliminated.
The National Prosecutor’s Office charged the 35-year-old businessman with corruption for his alleged role in the incident, but the charges were provisionally dropped in the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court in January.
Duduzane dismissed Jonas’ claims in an affidavit to the Zondo commission, saying he met with Jonas because there were rumors that Jonas had claimed that businessman Fana Hlongwane had blackmailed him.
READ ALSO | Helped save vice president’s life: Duduzane Zuma talks about ‘break’ in relationship with Mabuza
Duduzane was also implicated by former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor when she claimed that it was Duduzane who introduced her to Rajesh Gupta, Hlongwane and an unknown man of Indian descent during a flight to China.
Duduzane defended the Guptas, claiming that the police had treated the Guptas unfairly. He said the police had not followed due process, adding that no charges had been brought against the Guptas.
He said it was only until the end of its association with the Gupta family that the company had not done any business with the government. Duduzane said the Guptas only began doing business with the government after inheriting the Optimum Coal Mine contracts.
“My argument is that if that is the case, why is it okay for one group to have government contracts and for another group to not have government contracts? Everything was correct, examined and the resolutions of the board of various state institutions (sic). People, sadly, go out and start pointing out problems that shouldn’t be flagged. “
